The Richard W. Halle Award for Outstanding Middle Level Educator honors a junior high/middle level educatorwho has worked to promote understanding of the developmental needs and characteristics of young adolescents, especially in the English language arts. Established in 1996 by the Junior High/Middle School Assembly, the Richard W. Halle Award became a Middle Level Section Award in February 2002.

The award is presented at the Middle Level Get-together during the NCTE Annual Convention each year and includes an engraved plaque plus $100 monetary award.

2011 Award Winner Announced

Teri Lesesne is the recipient of the 2011 NCTE Richard W. Halle Award for Outstanding Middle Level Educator. Teri is a Professor at Sam Houston State University where she teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in young adult and children’s literature in the Department of Library Science.

Nomination Letter—a one to two page letter that explains why you believe your nominee fits the criteria. It is important that you address each criteria area and provide specific details of accomplishment and/or service that will help the award committee in their final selection.

EligibilityA “middle level educator” is defined as anyone who has worked to improve schools and schooling for the middle level—teacher, principal, college person, curriculum specialist, or supervisor—not necessarily a classroom teacher.

CriteriaNominees must meet the following criteria: Encouraging a spirit of inquiry and development of critical and creative thinking within the profession; Showing evidence of exemplary professional involvement, participation in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, and association programs and projects; Connecting the classroom and the community; Fostering the development of literacy education at the middle level; and Promoting research on the middle level student .